WordPress is the most popular way to create a website, powering 43.3% of all websites on the Internet. But despite its popularity, there's one question that many new users are still asking: what's the difference between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org?
If you search for WordPress on Google, both websites rank first and second. And if you're new to WordPress, you may not know which one to use. Trust us, you're not alone, that's why we're here to help you.
This article will explain the main differences between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org and help you choose the best one for your needs.
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WordPress org vs com
The main difference between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org is who actually hosts your website.
With WordPress.org, you host your own site (we recommend it). You will purchase your own web hosting service and install the WordPress software on that hosting.
WordPress.com, on the other hand, does all of this for you (easier to get started, less freedom). All you have to do is create an account and you can start building. And that's a major difference.
These days, hosting companies like Bluehost or SiteGround make hosting your own WordPress site almost as easy as opening a WordPress.com account, with the advantages of being cheaper and offering more freedom.
The Cost Of Using WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
WordPress.com Cost
WordPress.com allows you to create a website completely free of charge, but the free WordPress.com package has some big drawbacks:
- You can only place your website under a subdomain
- You can't remove the WordPress.com ads and branding from your site.
- You are limited to 3GB of disk space
- You cannot monetize your blog or website
- You cannot install plugins or themes that are not available by default on the platform, which means you are missing out on one of the best aspects of WordPress.
- If you want to use your website for commercial purposes, you will have to pay at least $8/month on your WordPress.com plan + the cost of a custom domain name, usually around $15/year. In total, that's at least $111 per year to run a website on WordPress.com.
However, we still don't recommend these cheaper WordPress.com plans because they still don't allow you to install themes and plugins.
If you want to install themes and plugins on WordPress.com, you will need at least the Business plan, which will cost you $33/month if you pay monthly or $25/month if you pay annually. This means that running a full WordPress site on WordPress.com will cost you between $300 and $400 per year.
WordPress.org Cost
With WordPress.org, on the other hand, you can launch a fully functional website for $35 the first year, and $50 each subsequent year.
To do this, you first need to choose a web host. We have a few suggestions for you here, but if you're in a hurry, go with Bluehost. It's a respected company that offers tons of options for WordPress. Here's what's great about Bluehost's offering:
- You can start as low as $2.75 per month.
- You get a free domain name for the first year.
- WordPress will be installed automatically for you
- You have access to a WordPress website builder if you want an even simpler experience.
From the user's perspective, Bluehost works the same way as WordPress.com: you sign up, choose a hosting plan, ask them to install WordPress for you, finalize the purchase and that's it. Plus, you have complete freedom in how you want to use your website, which WordPress.com doesn't give you. Go here to get started with Bluehost and WordPress.org.
If you need more information before deciding, here's a more detailed look at the difference between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org:
WordPress org vs com: Pros and Cons
Each version has its own advantages and disadvantages. (Although, personally, I think the .com version has more disadvantages than advantages. But you can decide for yourself)
When To Use WordPress.com
With WordPress.com, you don't have to worry about buying hosting. Plus, you don't have to worry about basic maintenance or security either, which is one of the main advantages of WordPress.com.
WordPress.com can also be free, although there are also paid plans. The free plan limits you to 3 GB of data and one subdomain (such as mywebsite.wordpress.com). It also includes WordPress.com ads.
In addition, you will not be able to install your own plugins or themes unless you pay for the expensive commercial plan. Plugins and themes are one of the most useful elements of the WordPress software, as they allow you to easily customize your website, so it's a pretty big loss.
When to Use WordPress.org
WordPress.org must be set up by your hosting provider. In most cases, it's a one-click setup, and it's really easy.
In fact, if you purchase your domain name from your hosting provider, you don't even have to worry about changing the DNS. It will be done for you!
Plus, WordPress.org offers much better customization options. You can install plugins, use custom website themes and do whatever you want with your website.
You can also monetize your website however you want, which is ideal if you're thinking of turning it into a business.
If you want total control over your site and the best possible options, choose WordPress.org.
Building A WordPress Website
It's easy to get lost in the details when you're not very familiar with something. The same is true here. If you're still undecided about which platform is the best option for your next website, let's make it simple.
So, Should I Use WordPress org Or com?
WordPress.org is for website owners who want to be independent. That means you build everything yourself from the ground up. More importantly, you are free to install any tools you want and control the overall functionality of the website. This is the best choice if you want to be completely self-sufficient.
WordPress.com is right for you if you don't want to get your hands dirty with hosting, third-party tools, and custom website functionality. All you have to do is sign up and instantly get an online space of your own. The downside is that you won't be able to customize it much unless you sign up for an expensive plan.
FAQs About WordPress org vs com
What is WordPress org used for?
WordPress.org is where you will find free WordPress software that you can download and install on your own web server to create a website. With WordPress.org, YOU host your own blog or website. WordPress.com does all the web hosting for you.
Is WordPress free with Bluehost?
In fact, WordPress comes with Bluehost. The free and easy installation of WordPress is included in our Bluehost account. But you need that Bluehost account to get your website online because WordPress is just software without a host!
Is WordPress Org safe to use?
WordPress is safe, provided that publishers take their site security seriously and follow best practices. Best practices include using secure plugins and themes, responsible login procedures, using security plugins to monitor your site, and regular updates.
Why is WordPress com more secure than WordPress org?
Yes, wordPress.com is considered more secure than WordPress.org because it limits themes and does not allow plugins to be installed. However, security depends more on how your website is hosted by the hosting company and what steps they take to prevent security issues.
